SWINDON engineers, Michael Haywood and Christopher Duke, have been awarded Technician Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - an influential body representing the 90,000 civil engineers and technicians across the world who create and maintain our transport, water, energy, waste and flood infrastructure, and design and build awe inspiring sports venues, skyscrapers and bridges.

ICE Technician Membership can be awarded to a range of people practising in the broad area of civil engineering. Michael and Christopher, who have recently qualified as Technician Members are now entitled to add the letters “EngTech MICE” to their names.

ICE's professionally qualified grades of membership are internationally recognised and highly valued. Attainment of these is widely viewed as a significant achievement and a benchmark of an engineer or technician’s competence and professional standing.

They were both presented with their membership certificates by ICE President Sir John Armitt at a special ceremony held at ICE’s headquarters in Westminster, London.

Miranda Housden, ICE South West Regional Director, commented: “Civil engineering sits right at the heart of society. It is all about shaping, improving and protecting the infrastructure that we all depend on in our day-to-day lives – from bridges, roads and railways right through to energy networks and water and waste infrastructure.

“Engineering technicians play a fundamental role in delivering civil engineering projects, offering specialist skills and techniques and solving complex problems - ultimately they help to deliver infrastructure projects efficiently and on time.”

Michael Haywood, who works for Atkins in Swindon said: “Passing the Technician Review means a great amount to me; I can progress within my career as a Technician. My recent promotion to Senior Technician within Atkins proves that attaining this qualification was a very important move in my career.”

Christopher Duke, who works for AECOM in Swindon added: “My review represented a culmination of nearly 8 years’ experience gained through work. Without attending university or college, I proved I am capable and knowledgeable in my job which gives me a great amount of personal pride.”

The opportunity to join ICE is available to civil engineers, technicians and technical/scientific specialists at every stage of their professional career, from students and apprentices to senior board directors.